Mosses and Lichens 



The generic name Climacium is derived from the Greek 

 K\t/j,dfciov, a little ladder, referring to the appearance of the 

 inner teeth. 



Six species are known at present, two in North America. 

 Climacium dendroides, Web. & Mohr. See Colour Plate 

 IV ; also Colour Plate XV. 



Habit and habitat. Bright green, tree-like,found in wet places. 



Name. The specific name 

 is from the Greek SevSpov, a 

 tree, and et'So?, like. 



Plant (gametophyte}. 

 Primary stem creep- 

 ing, secondary simple, 

 erect, often sharp- 

 pointed at the apex, 

 2 to 4 inches high; 

 branches clustered at 

 the summit. 



Leaves. Stem- 

 leaves broad, clasp- 

 ing; branch leaves nar- 

 rower, oblong, folded 

 lengthwise; base only 



a c a e 



(a) Spore-case with lid ; (b) lid with columella ; 



(c) spore-case with lid lifted ; (d) spore-case with 

 veil ; (e) veil. 



Cross-section of stem to 

 show central strand. 



Top of spore-case 



with columella ex- Portion of peristome with five outer 

 tending above the and five inner teeth, 



inner teeth. 



C. dendroides. 



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